NEW CONCORD, Ohio (Sept. 2) – A new era in the history of Waynesburg University football got underway on Saturday, when interim head coach Chris Smithley made his debut with the Yellow Jackets. The game certainly couldn't have gone how Smithley had planned, as the Jackets were defeated 19-0 by Muskingum.
 
The loss marked the first time that Waynesburg (0-1) had been shut out since 2001. The win gave the Muskies (1-0) back-to-back victories over the Orange and Black following five-straight decisions for Waynesburg in the series.
 
Despite giving up two touchdowns and two field goals, the Jacket defense did more than its part on the day. The unit held Muskingum to a respectable 283 yards of total offense. Waynesburg also forced four fumbles, three of which were recovered, and notched nine total tackles for loss.
 
Senior linebacker Brent Blacharczyk racked up a game-high 13 tackles, six of which were solo stops, and 1.5 tackles for loss. Junior linebacker John-Glen Davis chipped in 11 total tackles, while sophomore defensive back VaShon Graham added 10 stops. Sophomore Erick Ritz combined eight tackles (four solo) with 1.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
 
The game's first points weren't scored until there was just four seconds remaining in the first half. The late touchdown allowed Muskingum to take a 7-0 advantage into the locker room. The victors added six points in both the third and fourth quarters to close out the win.
 
Waynesburg will try to bounce back from the season-opening loss on Saturday, Sept. 9, when it hosts Westminster for the fifth annual Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Kickoff Classic. Start time is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.